Introducing Sinai
Occupied by Israel from 1967 to 1982, and sharing more with Asia than Africa, Sinai is the most atypical part of Egypt.
Advertisement
Settled by Bronze Age communities, attracted by Sinai’s copper and turquoise deposits, and later by Pharaonic mining parties, Sinai is most celebrated in history for the Exodus of Israelites towards the Promised Land. Though disputed by historians, Jews, Christians and Muslims believe Gebel Mousa (Mt Sinai) marks the spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It remains an important pilgrimage site.
If the interior belongs to God, Sinai’s coast belongs to mammon. Vast resorts fringe the peninsula, attracting biblical numbers of sun-worshippers, attracted by blue skies and world-class diving.
Despite high tourist revenue, the indigenous Bedouin of the Sinai see little investment in their own communities. In recent years their resentment, encouraged by fundamentalists with their own agenda, has led to violence. Tourism continues unabated, however.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions for 2011
3 November 2010
The lists are out and the crowns have been placed on the heads of our favourite upcoming cities, countries and...
-
Egypt: Exploring the Sinai
17 July 2010
The Sinai Peninsula has been a place of refuge for thousands of years. Prophets, nomads, exiles, conquerors, pilgrims and beachcombers...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: buying a visa in the Sinai
by frisbee 14 September 2011
Thanks Stefo; for various reasons, I won't have the time to buy the full visa in advance.
-
RE: buying a visa in the Sinai
by stefo 14 September 2011
If you already know for sure that you are going to leave the free visa area and travel to the "mainland", it makes a lot moresense to…
-
buying a visa in the Sinai
by frisbee 14 September 2011
I plan on entering Egypt at Sharm El Sheikh, getting a free 14 day visa, spending a few days in Taba and then heading westwards. I realise…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
